Silicon Valley talent returns to New Zealand

Online accounting software company Xero is
pleased to announce the appointment of Simon McIver to the
position of Head of Global Sales & Marketing Operations.

McIver joins Xero’s Wellington HQ from SolarCity in
Silicon Valley, where as Vice President Sales and Marketing
Operations he worked to establish the company as the
industry leader in clean energy services, culminating in a
highly successful IPO in December 2012. Over a nearly three
year period he helped the sales organisation expand from 50
to over 700 sales employees, grow revenue tenfold and double
market share.

The role at Xero will see the expat
return to New Zealand, after more than 14 years working in
the United States and Dubai, where he will provide support
to Xero’s sales and marketing teams globally.

“My key focus is to continue to drive improvements in
sales and marketing processes and systems, ensuring these
are scalable, whilst maintaining efficiencies.

“It’s an exciting time for Xero as it continues its
rapid growth into global markets. Being a part of this
innovative accounting software company was certainly a
strong motivation to return to New Zealand.”

Rocket Lab has signed a Commercial Space Launch Act Agreement with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The agreement enables Rocket Lab to use NASA resources - including personnel, facilities and equipment - for launch and reentry efforts. More>>

ALSO:

Reserve Bank governor Graeme Wheeler says some market commentators are predicting further declines in interest rates that would only make sense for an economy in recession, although some easing is likely to be needed to maintain New Zealand’s economic growth. More>>

Legal advice sought by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council on the Ruataniwha Dam consent conditions has confirmed that farmers who sign up to take water from the dam could be required to reduce the intensity of their farming operation to meet the catchment’s strict nitrogen limit. More>>

Health and safety law reform sparked by the Pike River coalmine disaster has been reported back from the industrial relations select committee with weakened requirements on small businesses to appoint health and safety representatives and committees. More>>

The value of fruit exported rose 20 percent (up $330 million) for the June 2015 year when compared with the year ended June 2014. Both higher prices and a greater quantity of exports (up 9.0 percent) contributed to the overall rise. More>>